MTV News, “pivoting to video,” and the end of “prestige journalism”

Every Wednesday at noon, Ryan Schleicher, Evan Rytlewski, and Matt Wild take to the WMSE airwaves to discuss all things Milwaukee. This half-hour fun-fest is called The Disclaimer, so named because none of the oft-ridiculous views expressed on the show necessarily reflect the views of the hosts’ employers. Milwaukee music, Milwaukee art, Milwaukee events, and D.I.Y. lawn care tips are frequently discussed—and rarely agreed upon. The Disclaimer: Talk radio for the sane.

In early 2016, MTV News was given a shot of new blood when Jessica Hopper was brought on as the new editorial director of music. Hopper promised a more diverse staff, more diverse voices, and an end to the “dominion of 38-year-old white men, who all agreed on the same canon of what was good and who was allowed to say what about what artists.” Just over a year later, the “prestige journalism” era of MTV is over, a victim of testy relations with musicians, editorial mishaps, and an industry move to video. Which kind of sucks. Ryan, Evan, and Matt dive into a must-read Spin article on the fall of the rebooted MTV News, discuss the shaky present and dim future of journalism, and wonder how a slightly critical review of a Kings Of Leon album can send an entire news organization into a tailspin.

Agree? Disagree? Lonely? Like The Disclaimer on Facebook and subscribe via iTunes.

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